Your Ottawa Invisalign® Provider
Read answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign from our dental team at Cityview Family Dental Centre in Nepean.
Invisalign FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
- What are Invisalign clear aligners?
The Invisalign clear aligner system is a series of custom-built clear aligners designed to straighten your teeth without relying on metal wire or brackets.
We use 3D imaging technology during the consultation process in order to create a treatment plan grounded in your unique smile.
A series of custom clear aligners will be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
- How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign's clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth gradually to their new positions in small increments throughout your treatment. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks before it is replaced by the next one in the series.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific needs.
- How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your dentist will be able to determine the length of your Invisalign treatment process based on a number of factors.
The factors which may influence the duration of your treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem.
- What are Invisalign aligners made of?
Invisalign clear aligners are made using USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. They are BPA free.
- How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since there are no adjustments or tightening needed during the Invisalign treatment process, your dentist will only need to schedule brief appointments to check up on your treatment progress every four to six weeks.
During these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and make adjustments to your treatment as required.
- What are the primary features of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are:
- Do not require adjustment appointments
- A more discreet solution than traditional braces
- Smooth construction many people find more comfortable
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of an Invisalign treatment will be influenced by the severity of your orthodontic issues and the length of time your treatment will take. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost.
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
- How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign clear aligners change very little about how you live your daily life.
You can take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, or brush and floss your teeth. That means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing is just as easy as ever.
- Are there any food or drink restrictions?
Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat! Because of this, there are no dietary restrictions associated with Invisalign treatment. You can continue eating all the food you love.
To avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you consume beverages such as wine, coffee, or dark soda beverages.
- How many sets of aligners will I need?
The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Only your dentist will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take. Their estimate will be based on a careful evaluation of your bite among other factors determined during your initial consultation.
- Can adults use Invisalign?
Yes! Anyone with good oral health is a potential candidate for Invisalign treatment.
More and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have become available.
- Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Absolutely! Teens can be candidates for Invisalign treatment. As a matter of fact, Invisalign has created a special line of clear aligners designed to meet the needs of teenage patients.
Invisalign Teen aligners have compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens stay on track with their treatment.
They also come with tabs to create space for second molars in the mouth and prevent them from growing in crookedly.
- How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.
- How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.
Soak your aligners using denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Make sure you brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back into your mouth. Good oral hygiene is more important than ever during the Invisalign treatment process in order to avoid gum disease and tooth decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.
Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. Clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.
Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
- Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can just take them out when you are going to play sports without having to sweat it about damaging them.
However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.
You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.
- Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Absolutely! Just remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument and then pop them back in when you're done.
- How do I store my aligners?
Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.
Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Get in touch. We'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have.